Her spine stiffens and a righteous look of anger comes over her. “My fear? Is that what you think my cautiousness is?” She stomps down the sidewalk, clearly headed for her apartment. Which makes sense when I think about it. She still doesn’t know where my place is. “Did it ever occur to you that I could be sued?”
I hurry after her, mentally slapping myself for my choice of words.
She continues, desperation fueling her. “That if they thought I was collaborating with you, I could be in serious legal trouble?”
“All right, you make some valid points.”
She storms down the street, crossing against the light. Her anger has blinded her to the surroundings. I reach out and grab her long flowing hair, stopping her before she steps into the path of an oncoming cab.
“Ow! What the hell?”
“Heather! You almost walked in front of a damn car!” The anger inside at her recklessness tumbles up and out. My own fear holds me hostage—its clutches wrapping around my throat, making breathing difficult.
I force my hands to soothe rather than grab blindly in panic, running my palms up and down her upper arms. “Please, stop and calm down.”
The self-righteous rant drains from her when she realizes what almost happened. “I’m not myself right now. I really need to get home.”
“Not without me, you don’t.”
A bit of her spitfire flashes back. “Feeling awfully pushy and possessive, aren’t you?”
I grasp her hands and speak softly, trying to ease her jittery fight or flight response like one might a skittish horse. “I like you. I like you a lot. I want to see you get home safely. That’s it.”
Her expression softens and she melts into me for a brief moment, leaning against my chest. Then she straightens her back and stares into my eyes. “Uh-huh. Sure. Like you’re not hoping to get into my pants for round two?”
Fire lights in my gut, kindles my blood a few degrees as an erection stirs in my pants. “I’m sincere in wanting you to get home safely.” I bow down and kiss her with tenderness. This time when I pull back she looks a little starry-eyed. “But a man can hope, can’t he?”
She laughs and the negative wave of tension between us breaks. She links her arm back through mine and turns a corner toward her building. No way in hell is this evening ending until I know exactly where I stand with her and what she plans for us in relation to her job. The panicked look on her face a few minutes ago made me think she was ready to scrap any shot at us just to save her job.
As we walk the rest of the way in silence, an epiphany hits me. I’m not sure when it happened, but I can’t believe I can say it and mean it.
A job is just that—a job. It won’t keep you warm at night, won’t grow old with you, and besides providing financial security, sure as hell won’t do anything for you. Like have kids, or be there when you get sick, or pick you up when you fall. Or stop you from stepping in front of a car when you’re agitated.
This woman, on the other hand, means something to me. Could this be what love feels like? It shocks me to my soul to realize she matters more than the job I’d previously sacrificed everything for. Maybe that’s where she is right now: her job matters more. Maybe she hasn’t had the realization yet.
Yeah, well, why the hell would she? It’s not like she’s your age or in your financial position.
A time has to come when enough is enough.
Enough money, enough gadgets, enough prestige, enough…power.
We get to her building and take the elevator to her floor. Heather turns toward me with keys in her hand. “Well, I’m here safe and sound. Consider your good deed done.”
“Is that what you think? That I walked you home as a good deed?”
She shrugs and looks away. “I don’t know. I was just trying to be funny.” She twiddles with the keys.
“Where do we stand, you and I?” I ask, my heart in my throat. “I told you at dinner what I wanted, but I’m not so sure you feel the same way.”
“Let’s go inside.”
Relief pours through me. For a minute I was afraid she was going to send me on my way without us talking things out. And for the first time in my life, I think I may like the girl more than she likes me.
The sensation leaves me vulnerable and shaky. I don’t like it. If this is what love is, it sucks.
“Tony?”
“Yes?” If she gives me the brush off right now, I may just snap.
“I want to keep seeing you, but…”
“Spit it out, Heather, please.”
“We can’t be seen in public until after the merger is complete.”
The hesitant look on her face makes me want to punch every man she’s ever dated. She thinks I’ll react poorly. Considering the spot she’s in, keeping our relationship private for the time being is a sensible solution. Much better than her telling me she can’t see me until the deal is over. I would have had to talk her out of that, even if I had to use my tongue all damn night.
I shut the door and take off my coat, tossing it on a dinning room chair as I stalk closer to Heather.
I stare at my lover, letting her see the full weight of my desires. “We’re not in public right now, are we?”
Her cheeks flush and she meets my darkening look. “No, we’re not.” She reaches behind her hips and deftly lowers the hidden zipper that foiled me earlier this evening. The patterned material slips over her hips and pools near her sexy silver heels.
The long boots hug every curve of her leg and end several inches above her knees. My gaze travels over the creamy exposed skin of her thigh, to rest on the black hair trimmed neatly at the juncture between her legs. It may be my imagination, but I swear there’s a bead of moisture glinting between the smooth folds of her sex.
Perhaps the only communication that will work between us tonight is showing her exactly how I feel. I take a step toward her, unbuttoning my shirt and letting the naked feelings I have for her shine in my eyes. Heather pulls off her blouse and tosses it aside, revealing her firm, high breasts encased in lacey bra cups.
My mouth runs dry and words escape me as I stare at the perfection of her lithe form. I want to possess her, mark her as mine, wipe out every memory of every man she’s been with until only thoughts of me remain.
I clench my jaw as I step closer. Heather steps backward, her attention traveling to the bulge in the front of my pants then back up to my face. With a cocky grin, she turns and sashays down the hall toward the bedroom, her naked bottom swinging side to side with each stride.
My muscles bunch, eager to pursue. I take a deep breath and relax. I need to make love to her, not race to the finish like our previous encounters. I want to leave her body remembering mine long after we part. If I can’t see her during the day or in public for the next week, then I damn well better make an impression when I’m with her. I finish taking off my clothes, but leave my briefs on. I don’t want to be tempted to hurry due to my own driving needs.
As I step into her dimly lit bedroom, I see her reclined on the bed, waiting. Without a word spoken, I join her and run my hands up the boots to her heated skin.
A shiver shudders over her as her pointed pink tongue darts out to moisten her mouth.
I lie next to her and then impulsively throw a leg over her thighs and straddle her body. Her mouth opens to speak and I swoop down to plant my lips on hers before she can issue a command. Taking advantage of her already parted lips, my tongue dives in to explore.
Her eyes widen as I nibble on her bottom lip, trace my tongue along her teeth, and then suck her top lip into my mouth. Staring into her sparkling depths, I see an urgency building in her brown eyes. A moment later her hips rise off the bed, rotating and pressing her heat against my erection.
The warmth of her seeps through my underwear, even with her thighs trapped closed between mine. I circle my hips in return, grinding down and dipping my silk-covered length between her legs, enough to rub the shaft on the hard nub between her folds.
/> A shyness and hesitancy glows from her dark eyes. Does she doubt my intentions? Did she worry I’d only want her if she was in charge? Time for me to take the lead and really show her how I feel.
I ease my body to the side and tilt her onto her hip, snuggling close along her spine. The heat from her skin warms my chest as I curl my body around hers.
I lean away to unhook her bra, then cradle her with one hand boldly cupping and kneading a breast. A gentle rocking motion starts low in my hips, pumping myself up and down between her cheeks.
“I—”
“Shh…No talking.” I lean in and plant lingering kisses over her exposed neck. “Tonight, let me please you.”
The subtle scent that is all Heather floods my senses, and I stifle the urge to bite down and suck her flesh between my teeth. Can’t send her to the office with a hickey, no matter how much I want the world to know she’s taken.
My hand trails from her now peaked nipples to dip lower, running over the gentle swell of her stomach, searching for the arousal I know awaits between her thighs. Heather lifts her top leg, granting me access and tempting me beyond reason. She supports her raised knee with a hand on her leather-encased leg, pointing one silver high heel to the ceiling. The sexy sight brings a chill of want, creating a desire to rear back and scoot lower, to lick her ‘til she screams.
Wanting to get my skin as close to hers as I can, I shove down my briefs and mold against her backside once more. Instead of pinning my arm alongside her, I ease my left arm under her head, encouraging her to rest on my bicep. I splay my right hand over her lower abdomen and quest downward, combing through her soft pubic hair.
My shaft wedges between the firm halves of her butt, content to rock back and forth while I stroke her raging fire higher. I want to slip myself down and drive into her so badly it hurts. Not yet. I want her as crazy as I am first.
Slickness and heat greet my advancing fingers, proving she’s enjoying this as much as I hoped. I tease the hard bud with the flat of three fingers, slowly rubbing while her hips pump steadily front and back, rocking against my erection. A moan of want spills from her as she pulls away, allowing my cock to spring down between the space of our bodies.
She shifts slightly and fits her body to mine once more, forcing my shaft to rub over the wetness at her very center. Fighting the call to angle and push in with every fiber of my soul, I glide my rod forward and back, slicking her moisture over the tight skin.
Her wiggling becomes more pronounced and I get the distinct feeling she’s trying to shove me inside her. I curl my arm lying underneath her head, encircling her neck to lay a hand on her top shoulder. Very softly, I hold her in place while my fingers drive her to her first peak.
Slowly I build her up, alternating between grinding her clit and stroking the sides with the slick lubrication from her body. Her gasps and moans increase until she’s writhing on my hand and slamming her hips back into mine. The beauty of the moment takes my breath away as she crashes over the edge—a series of short yells punctuating her release.
No longer able to hold off, I adjust the angle of my hips and inch into her while she’s still orgasming. Heat and tightening muscles engulf my steel hardness, wringing a groan of delight from me. The added sensation pushes her up and she comes again, peaking higher and louder than before.
I draw my fingers away, allowing her body to recover while I slowly pump in and out of her spasming depths. Grasping her raised leg, I glance down her body at the glorious sight of those sexy boots. I’ll never be able to look at them again without thinking of this moment with her.
My hand that clasps her shoulder releases and I stroke the soft skin, soothing her while I slowly make love to her. Once I bury myself to the hilt, I begin to pump faster, gradually picking up my pace.
I let go of her leg and return to her nipples, determined to tease and entice another orgasm out of her. Her relaxed body responds to the tweaking and pulling, and her nipple distends further than before, with a rosy glow.
Unable to quench my desire to kiss her, I lean closer and nuzzle her cheek. She turns her head to angle better and we lock lips, pouring our hearts into the connection.
Judging the time to be right, I slide my fingers lower to gather some of her moisture. Her previously relaxed hips react, reaching for my soft touch. We break our kiss and I return to lavishing her neck and shoulder with short, then long, lingering kisses.
As my shaft withdraws from her body, I curl my fingers, drawing more sensation from her silky folds. Then I plunge up and rub my fingers on her outer lips.
The minutes go by, and soon little chants of “yeah, oh yeah” spill from her, telling me I’ve set a good pace.
Her increasing excitement spurs my own and I move my attention to her aroused nub once more, testing its sensitivity with a few tentative strokes.
A jolt shakes her body and her inner walls clench around me. The added stimulation takes her by surprise, and judging by the rapid increase in her hips, it’s a good surprise. Again she holds her leg, pinning it up near her hip, to rest against my forearm, while I plunge into her over and over.
Her next peak takes us both by surprise, coming on her fast. I take full advantage of the sensations and increase speed. The strength of her release doesn’t diminish and her clasping muscles draw my own orgasm up and out of me, despite my best intentions to make love to her longer.
My grasp on her shoulder tightens as my hips pummel her firm cheeks. I stop thrusting, overcome with the intensity of my release, and the convulsing muscles around my shaft milk it for every drop.
We lay wrapped in each other for several minutes. If that didn’t tell her how I feel about her, I’m not sure what will. She moves slightly to disengage our bodies and I hold her close, unwilling to let this moment end.
Chapter Thirteen
Heather
We made love twice more in the night, each encounter unique and glorious. Even though no words were spoken, I know it in my heart things have changed between us.
I didn’t take charge, and neither did Tony. Each joining was a mutual experience deeper than anything I’ve ever shared with a man. As the morning sun peeks through my drapes, I open my eyes and sigh, unwilling to leave the warm bed.
The weight of Tony’s arm lies over my waist, corralling me closer even in sleep. A smile of pure happiness leaks from me as I realize this has been my dream all along. To wake up next to someone I care about, and who cares for me in return.
No one judging me or tearing me down, no empty declarations when I open my heart, no cold sheets on a long winter’s night.
Moving carefully, I slip from the bed and retrieve my robe from the bathroom door. A glance at the clock reveals I’ve plenty of time to get ready before work. I face the bed, staring at the gorgeous man sleeping on my pillow, unable to comprehend that last night really happened.
My lover lies in a crumpled tangle of sheets and blankets, his olive complexion and cut muscles stirring desire through me even after all my releases last night. Unlike the waxed men of Hollywood, Tony boasts a light dusting of hair across his chest. It accentuates his masculinity and muscle depth rather than hiding it.
Impulsively, I grab my old, but reliable, camera off the dresser and snap a few pictures of him. The sheet bunches near his rib cage, leaving his wide biceps and corded forearms bare. I felt the strength in those arms as he held me. A tingle runs through me at the memory of his embrace while I came.
The whir and click of the camera echoes in the silent room. My zoom lens allows close-ups on his relaxed face without disturbing him. The faded scar on his chin tugs at my heartstrings. The small imperfection adds to his appeal rather than detracting from it. Was he a wild boy? Did he tumble off his bike or get hit while throwing rocks with other boys? I’ll have to ask him.
Tony moves slightly, his arm searching for me. His eyes flutter open as a small frown mars his forehead.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” I say, placing the camera back on
the dresser.
“Time to start the day?” he asks on a yawn. I nod and my mouth grows dry when he stretches, the sheet slipping down to reveal his lower abdomen and the dark V of hair that points lower. As I stare, the material below his waist starts to stir. I can’t believe he’s rising again so soon. The man must be pure testosterone. “Although, if you keep looking at me like that I’ll be tempted to stay in bed all day.” His accompanying smile implies he’s not adverse to the notion.
My heart beats faster as I fight the urge to lick my lips. “I wish I could. I’ve got that meeting at nine.”
He nods and rises, unconcerned with his nude state. The moment he stands my eyes drop to his growing arousal. His increasing interest triggers my own and I turn, rushing for the shower. I’ll never be on time if I give in to my baser needs every time I look at him.
“I’ll be quick,” I say while turning on the water. “You can have a shower next if you’d like.” Once the water feels right I step in, eager to be away from temptation. Maybe I should turn the water to cold to flush out the sexual thoughts of climbing back into bed with my new lover.
I pile up my hair and clip it, since today isn’t a day to wash it, and then reach for the soap. In the next instant the curtain whips open from the back of the tub.
“Mind if I join you?” A protest dies on my lips when I see the look on his face. Pure animal desire darkens his expression. “Hand me the scrubby.” His cock juts out at full attention. “I’ll do your back.”
The vibrant feelings after our morning shower interlude sustain me all the way to Mr. Sayers’s office.
My boss’s boss stares at me across his desk and asks calmly, “How do you think Mr. Carmine knew about you running Harvey’s job for him?”
A huge knot forms in my throat and I feel a sweat breaking out on my forehead. “They did go to lunch together.”
He nods. “Was it one of Harvey’s regular five Martini lunches?”
“I can’t say for sure, since I wasn’t there, but he did act like it might have been when he returned to the office.”
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